Speaker
Description
Akoko, S. J.
Federal College of Education (Technical) Ekiadolor, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria
akokosmith93@gmail.com
Track: Digital Pedagogy and Teaching Innovation
This position paper examines collaborative learning and knowledge sharing within the evolving landscape of digital pedagogy in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. Grounded in social constructivist theory, the paper posits that ESL learning is inherently interactive and increasingly mediated by digital technologies that facilitate communication, collaboration, and co-construction of knowledge. Drawing on a critical synthesis of existing literature, the paper argues that digitally supported collaborative learning environments provide ESL learners with authentic and flexible opportunities to engage in meaningful language practice, thereby enhancing communicative competence, fluency, and learner autonomy. The discussion highlights technology-enhanced collaborative strategies such as virtual peer interaction, online discussion forums, collaborative writing platforms, and cooperative learning supported by learning management systems and mobile applications. These digital tools extend learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries, enabling synchronous and asynchronous knowledge sharing, fostering inclusivity, and accommodating diverse learner needs and proficiency levels. Furthermore, the paper underscores the role of digital knowledge-sharing practices in promoting learner agency, intercultural communication, and access to global linguistic resources. Despite these affordances, challenges such as digital divide, unequal participation, technological literacy gaps, and language anxiety in virtual spaces are critically examined. The paper emphasizes the need for intentional instructional design, digital competence among teachers, and structured facilitation to optimize collaborative outcomes in technology-mediated ESL environments. It concludes that the effective integration of digital pedagogy into collaborative learning frameworks is essential for preparing learners for communication in a digitally interconnected world